first the info-attempting to install linux debian 32-bit mate/cinnamonon an old HP laptopusing pendrive linux live usb(over maya which doesnt work well with the monitor)

So- the liveusb boots great and runs like a dream BUT, when I click "install" i get a password prompt. The password does not exist. sudo prompts for pass too. Password is not "root" "mint" or just blank. It does not exist. The research I have done says it may be a problem with pendrive linux usb. Perhaps some kind of odd persistent root password? In any case, Unetbootin is not working for me (won't load syslinux past 33%) and I have had no luck booting from dvd-as in it won't boot from dvd. I am in a pickle. Help?